Specified term; full-time to 29 January 2028

We are seeking a person with strong strategic policy, government engagement and program leadership skills to support the future direction of the Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement program. A key priority of this role is working across government to shape future policy settings, support Cabinet and Budget processes, and contribute to the development of New Policy Proposals and related government decision-making products.

The position requires demonstrated experience working with Commonwealth and state government agencies, central agencies, Traditional Owners, First Nations organisations and other key stakeholders to progress complex policy, funding and program reform. The ability to navigate government processes, develop strategic advice, coordinate input across jurisdictions and support clear decision-making will be critical to the role.

Knowledge of Cabinet processes, budget processes and new policy proposal development is highly desirable. Knowledge of Indigenous Protected Areas, Native Title, Prescribed Bodies Corporate, Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate, Traditional Owner governance arrangements and Sea Country management frameworks is also highly desirable.

This position sits within the TUMRA Section, which is responsible for Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements and Sea Country Values Mapping programs. The section works closely with Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owners and other First Nations peoples, including remote communities, corporations, Prescribed Bodies Corporate, Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate and organisations established to support First Nations people and businesses.

This Assistant Director position will provide strategic support and leadership to the TUMRA Section, with a focus on the future operating model, long-term investment pathway and policy reform agenda for the TUMRA program. The role will work closely with government partners and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for reform, strengthen alignment with broader First Nations, Reef, Native Title and Sea Country policy settings, and support the development of government advice on the future of the program.

The Assistant Director will also provide leadership and direction to a culturally inclusive, dynamic and innovative team, supporting transformational change across the program. The role will represent the section in strategic discussions, develop and maintain strong and sustainable partnerships, and support multi-jurisdictional Sea Country management arrangements that align with Traditional Owner aspirations, self-determination, cultural authority and cultural heritage protection.

This position is an identified position and is one in which the duties involve extensive engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Traditional Owners, Indigenous communities or their representative (further information is provided in the eligibility requirements section below)

What you'll bring

- You understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ spiritual, cultural and customary connection to Land and Sea Country, and can clearly articulate and apply principles of Cultural Authority, Traditional Lore, cultural governance and customs for managing Country.
- You understand the role of government in improving outcomes for First Nations peoples, including through Closing the Gap, broader First Nations policy reform, Native Title,



Indigenous Protected Areas and Sea Country management frameworks.
- You have strong strategic policy capability and can work across government to support the future direction of the TUMRA program, including contributing to Cabinet, Budget and Recent Policy Proposal processes.
- You can develop high-quality strategic advice, briefing materials, policy options and decision-making products that support government consideration of complex First Nations, Reef, Native Title and Sea Country matters.
- You are strategic, resourceful and outcomes-focused. You can motivate and inspire others, work with limited direction, exercise sound judgement and apply logic, discretion and cultural awareness to complex and sensitive issues.
- You have exceptional written communication skills, well-developed analytical skills, solid attention to detail and routinely complete tasks on time and to a high standard, including under pressure and in time-sensitive government processes.
- You will represent the Reef Authority in internal and external forums, including with Commonwealth and state agencies, Traditional Owner partners, First Nations organisations and other stakeholders, and culturally negotiate sensitively on a range of complex matters.
- You are a natural problem solver with strong people, program, project, risk, financial and contract management skills, and are known for working collaboratively to deliver practical outcomes in complex operating environments.
- You will support strategic partnerships and whole-of-government engagement to strengthen the long-term sustainability, investment pathway and future operating model of the TUMRA program.
- You will be willing to travel frequently, often to remote locations. The nature of the work will require the incumbent to travel and work outside core hours,

- Provide high-quality strategic policy and program advice to the Director, Executive and senior stakeholders on the future direction of the TUMRA program, including; emerging risks, opportunities, policy settings, investment needs and alignment with broader Reef, First Nations, Native Title and Sea Country priorities.
- Lead and support the development of government decision-making products, including briefs, submissions, Cabinet and Budget materials, New Policy Proposal inputs, policy options, reports and other written advice to support future investment and reform of the TUMRA program.
- Work across Commonwealth and state government agencies, Traditional Owner partners and other stakeholders to support whole-of-government engagement, policy coordination and strategic partnerships relevant to Traditional Owner-led Sea Country management and Marine Park management.
- Develop and deliver priority strategic initiatives for the TUMRA Section, including annual planning, risk management, governance improvements, program reform activities, implementation planning and monitoring of key deliverables.
- Liaise, consult and negotiate respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including Traditional Owner groups, Prescribed Bodies Corporate,



Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate, Native Title Representative Bodies, Land Councils, delivery partners and government agencies on matters relevant to TUMRAs and Sea Country management.
- Support the design and delivery of policy, program and management solutions that strengthen the protection and conservation of the Reef while supporting Traditional Owner aspirations, cultural authority, self-determination and cultural heritage protection.
- Provide leadership and direction within the TUMRA Section, supporting a culturally safe, collaborative and high-performing team environment, and contributing to section priorities, cross-agency work and emerging issues as part of the broader leadership team.

Why join the Reef Authority?

At the Reef Authority, you'll build a meaningful career while helping protect one of the world's most iconic natural assets. We offer a supportive, flexible and purpose-driven workplace where your work has real impact.

You'll enjoy competitive APS employment conditions, including up to 15.4% employer superannuation, flexible working arrangements, wellbeing initiatives, professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.

You must hold and maintain a current unrestricted Queensland Drivers Licence (preferably with 4-wheel drive experience) or able to be able obtain one within a 6-month period.

Note: this position is an identified position and is one in which the duties involve extensive engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Traditional Owners, Indigenous communities or their representatives.

The successful applicant must have:

- an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and
- an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply. Non-Indigenous applicants applying for this Identified position may be asked to supply a reference from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, group or organisation supporting their skills and ability in the areas identified.

Desirable qualifications or equivalent experience

- Diploma in Program Management, Project Management, Procurement qualifications or equivalent experience.
- Contemporary knowledge of social science, marine park/marine protected area/sea country management, including traditional use.
- The ability to travel, sometimes overnight or for multiple days, including to remote and regional locations.

Employment with the Reef Authority is subject to:

- Conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999.
- Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) granting a security clearance at the required level.
- Evidence of citizenship status.
- Evidence of qualifications required of the role.
- Evidence of a completed national police-check with no risks identified by the Reef Authority.
- The CEO of the Reef Authority, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.
- The Australian Government Security Clearance Application Guide Book provides information on minimum eligibility requirements for holding a security clearance at the required level. Please ensure that you are able to provide the necessary documents if you apply for the position. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the AGSVA website.

📌 Assistant Director TUMRA Program Strategy (Australia)
🏢 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
📍 Australia